< Previous30 edge_march 2024 feature to realise, achieving work-life balance is crucial for women’s participation in tech. This pushes for support from both employers and partners. “Women in tech often face underestimation, both externally and internally. Overcoming biases requires demonstrating value and confidence in one’s abilities. Women shouldn’t hesitate to articulate their contributions and expertise.” Advising women she says, “Forge connections, seek support, and strategise with like-minded peers. Invest in skills like conflict management and assertiveness, leveraging them in professional settings. Embrace change, seek mentors, and foster compromise at home to navigate career growth.” She adds, “Passing on knowledge to the next generation fosters curiosity and adaptability in an evolving world. Encourage children to explore and develop habits for success.” LAUREN WORTMANN VICE PRESIDENT APPLICATIONS AND CLOUD AT DIMENSION DATA Lauren Wortmann’s journey into technology was somewhat serendipitous. Growing up in an environment surrounded by her mother’s marketing company focused in the IT industry, JESSICA CONSTANTINIDIS FIELD INNOVATION OFFICER EMEA SERVICENOW As a child, Jessica Constantinidis was drawn to building things, often commandeering her father’s shed tools for projects. Her early affinity for tinkering led to programming on a Commodore 64 and that laid the foundation for her journey as a technologist. In 1998, Constantindis seized an opportunity to build ISABEL, Belgium’s first online banking system, marking her entry into the tech field. Today, as the Field Innovation Officer for ServiceNow, she leverages those lessons to transform business operations through technology. Embracing every chance to learn, Constantinidis navigated various roles, from programming for JD Edwards to becoming a Microsoft-certified engineer. “Initially, I was welcomed as ‘one of the guys’ at VMware, I later also encountered barriers to promotion in a male-dominated management landscape. However, my mentor at Dimension Data played a pivotal role in nurturing my talent and advocating for my growth. To women aspiring in tech, I would say, seek mentors who champion your success.” Constantinidis believes in the GCC, the scarcity of skilled tech professionals could be alleviated with more women in the field. She adds companies need Jessica Constantinidis, Field Innovation Officer EMEA, ServiceNow Lauren Wortmann, Vice President, Applications and Cloud at Dimension Dataedge_march 2024 31 feature she naturally gravitated towards tech. Landing a marketing role in an international tech company after university solidified her path. Reflecting on her journey, Wortmann emphasises the importance of resilience and a strong support network. Surrounding herself with people who challenge her limits and maintain a positive outlook has been instrumental. She underscores the value of curiosity and continuous learning in the tech realm. Wortmann stresses the significance of diversity in driving organisational success across various fields, not just in technology. She advocates for mentorship and coaching programmes to nurture talent, irrespective of gender. However, she acknowledges the need for more women in deep technical and business management roles, starting with early exposure and educational initiatives. She believes, encouraging young women to explore technology and providing them with support, guidance, and recognition are crucial steps. Addressing biases, harassment, and burnout while celebrating women’s achievements are essential. Wortmann emphasises the importance of showcasing possibilities and creating spaces for women to thrive. Wortmann’s pivotal moment came when she defied external doubt, using it as fuel to prove her capabilities. Her advice to women in tech is clear: embrace challenges, trust your talents, and stay curious. “Surround yourself with supportive individuals who challenge and celebrate your achievements. Above all, enjoy the journey and be yourself.” SIMRAN BAGGA VICE PRESIDENT OMNIX ENGINEERING AND FOUNDATION TECHNOLOGIES AT OMNIX INTERNATIONAL “It’s a space where I’ve found the perfect blend for my analytical and creative talents, fostering a rewarding career with endless possibilities across various industries,” says Simran Bagga. Navigating the tech world as a woman presented challenges, but Bagga thrived by embracing continuous learning and fostering strong partnerships. One of Bagga pivotal moments came when she realised the importance of advocating for myself and demonstrating accountability in every role she undertook. “As I climbed the ranks, I encountered scenarios where I was the only woman in the room, which propelled me to deliver results that exceeded expectations, challenging stereotypes along the way.” However, systemic changes within companies are still needed to enhance opportunities for women to excel. Closing this gap demands concerted efforts to address biases in hiring, close the pay disparity, and foster proactive leadership among women. Simran Bagga, Vice President, Omnix Engineering and Foundation Technologies at Omnix International 32 edge_march 2024 feature She believes while women in tech are on the rise, there’s still a significant gender gap in major tech companies. Despite the challenges, women are making remarkable strides, breaking down barriers, and challenging gender stereotypes. Their contributions not only transform the tech landscape but also have a profound impact on society. Bagga adds, women often face unequal treatment and struggle to advocate for themselves in male-dominated environments. “Overcoming these challenges demands confidence, continuous learning, strategic networking, and mentorship.” One of Bagga’s most valuable lessons learned was the importance of finding alternative routes to build strategic relationships, especially when traditional avenues may be misunderstood. Advising women she says, “Believe in your potential and leverage your career to inspire others. Collaboration among women in tech propels professional growth and fosters a supportive workplace. Let’s empower girls with role models and the skills needed for tech careers, driving positive change globally by 2030.” “As women help each other, amazing things can happen, and professional careers leap forward. Together, we can create a sustainable workplace that uplifts everyone.” WALAA NADER CHANNEL DIRECTOR NEXTHINK As an analytical person, Walaa Nader has always been fascinated by technology. She believes it to be an essential part of our lives, both personally and professionally, and it makes communication, collaboration, and productivity easier. “The endless possibilities of technology have driven me to explore more about this domain. When I first entered the technology industry, I faced a significant learning curve since I came from a business background. However, with resilience, persistence, curiosity, and a hunger for learning, I overcame these challenges and achieved great success in this industry.” Nader believes women in the IT industry in the Middle East today are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and contributing to technological innovation. However, challenges persist, including gender bias, cultural norms, and limited access to opportunities. Despite these obstacles, the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion is gradually opening doors for women to excel in IT roles. “However, the biggest challenge I see from my point of view is that sometimes the perspective of being a woman is misperceived, leading to misconceptions that a woman won’t be able to handle a full-time job or frequent travel due to other responsibilities.” She adds this perspective is especially prevalent in the Middle East, where people wrongly assume that women should take more responsibility for their personal lives than men. To combat these misperceptions, she believes, we need to ensure equal opportunities and responsibilities. “My advice would be to dream big and aim high, as the more you dream, the more you’ll set objectives and milestones to achieve your dreams. Don’t let anything stop you from putting a plan in place to execute your objectives and plans.” “Also, never think that you cannot be in the highest position of an organisation because you are a woman. Have an idol that you believe you want to be in her shoes one day and use all your talents, skills, knowledge, and hard work to achieve the goal, role, or title you are looking for.” Walaa Nader, Channel Director, Nexthinkedge_march 2024 33 feature ZINA ASHOUR FOUNDER WOMEN IN CRYPTO ARABIA Zina Ashour’s path into technology began in marketing and business management, where startup experiences ignited her passion for tech. Transitioning to a tech-focused role, Ashour blend business acumen with marketing expertise to drive innovation. Navigating challenges, from understanding tech’s role in education to embracing blockchain applications, taught her the power of proactive learning and collaboration. Each hurdle became an opportunity for growth, shaping my approach to tech projects. Ashour believes advocating for diversity, especially for women in tech, is paramount. Initiatives promoting inclusivity, early STEM exposure, and equal opportunities are essential. “I have been in the blockchain domain since 2017. Initially there was a noticable lack of women in the space. But the NFT hype in 2020 changed that. It attracted more women who found unique intersection of technology and art through NFTs. This trend showcases the potential for technology, specifically NFTs, to provide a platform for women to express their artistic side and monetise their creations.” Nevertheless, Ashour believes gender gap remains a significant obstacle, influencing education, hiring, and career advancement. “Overcoming biases requires dismantling stereotypes and fostering inclusive work environments that value diverse contributions.” Ashour believes, the enduring gender gap poses a significant challenge, affecting education, hiring practices, and career growth. Overcoming biases demands dismantling stereotypes and cultivating inclusive workplaces that value diverse contributions. She adds to ensure more women in tech roles will need diverse hiring practices, equal pay, and flexible working arrangements. Events and forums dedicated to women in tech along with recognising their achievements, contribute to a more inclusive industry. “My advice to women in tech is multifaceted: pursue genuine interests, embrace possibilities, and celebrate personal growth. Each journey is unique and contributes to shaping the future of technology. By fostering individuality and seizing opportunities, women can thrive in the tech landscape.” Zina Ashour, Founder, Women in Crypto Arabiabrand view 34 edge_march 2024 contributing to the Kingdom’s vision of a diversified and technology-driven economy. During a talk with edge/, Champion delves into the remarkable journey of LEAP. How does LEAP24’s move to a larger venue support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and align with Vision 2030? In 2022, LEAP made significant achievements by setting new industry records during its debut. The event garnered unprecedented attention by attracting registrations from more than 100 countries, making it the largest debut of any technology event in history. The 2023 edition continued to break records by confirming 172,000 attendees, solidifying its position as the world’s largest technology event by attendance, investor funds size, and speaker quality and quantity. LEAP 2023 demonstrated remarkable growth compared to its predecessor, with a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in on-event transactions, exceeding US$9 billion. The event played a crucial role in injecting fresh foreign direct investment Champion-ing LEAP 2024 Michael Champion discusses surpassing records, investments, and the future of Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape PEOPLE By Arya Devi M ichael Champion, the CEO of Tahaluf, has played a key role in steering the success of LEAP, an annual technology event that has rapidly grown in prominence since its debut in 2022. LEAP has become the world’s largest tech event, surpassing its key achievements from the previous year and making significant contributions to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation under Vision 2030. Under Champion’s leadership, LEAP continues to be a driving force in advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, fostering global collaboration, and “LEAP 2023 demonstrated remarkable growth compared to its predecessor, with a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in on-event transactions, exceeding US$9 billion”brand view edge_march 2024 35 into Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystems and startup economy. Major announcements included significant infrastructure investments, new data centres, billion- dollar-plus public-private partnerships, and initiatives to foster local talent. The move to a larger venue for LEAP in 2024, with a doubled floor size of more than 125,000 square metres (1.345 million Sq.ft), reflects the event’s commitment to accommodating more innovative technologies, digital entrepreneurs, tech startups, and high-profile speakers. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as the largest digital market in the Middle East and North Africa. LEAP 2024, powered by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and organised by Tahaluf, is poised to galvanise growth in the international technology arena, supporting the nation’s ambitious economic diversification strategy. The larger venue symbolises the continued momentum and ambition of LEAP in driving Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. What notable investments were unveiled during the LEAP 2023 and what impact do these investments have on advancing the Kingdom’s digital transformation? LEAP 2023 showcased several notable investments during its four-day run, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading digital market in the MENA region and contributing to its ongoing digital transformation under Vision 2030. The investments, totalling in excess of $9 billion, were announced by His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, during the opening day. Key investments included Microsoft’s $2.1 billion in a global super-scaler cloud within the Kingdom, Oracle’s $1.5 billion to expand its MENA business with new cloud areas, Huawei’s $400 million in cloud infrastructure, and the establishment of a Zoom cloud area in partnership with Aramco. These initiatives, backed by a total of $4.5 billion in global and local assets, showcase substantial commitments from major players within the global technology sector. The investments also underscored the support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and aligned with his vision to empower the technology sector, a pivotal aspect of growing Saudi Arabia’s digital economy. The infusion of funds into future technologies, digital entrepreneurship, and tech startups aims to accelerate the Kingdom’s digital transformation across sectors such as the Internet of Things (IoT), healthtech, space, fintech, and open source software. How can event organisers balance enhancing participant engagement through open digital ecosystems and innovative event services with implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and maintain attendee trust in today’s interconnected world? As event organisers, we are obligated to ensure that we navigate the delicate balance of fostering participant engagement through open digital ecosystems and innovative event services while implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information, thereby maintaining attendee trust in our interconnected world. To achieve this, we begin with a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and understand potential challenges specific to the event. We then prioritise the selection of secure event management platforms and collaborate with reputable vendors that adhere to industry best practices. It is also vital that, as organisers, we educate participants about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognising phishing attempts, as it contributes to a more informed and secure event environment. Regular security audits and assessments of event platforms, along with prompt application of updates and patches, help mitigate emerging threats. Transparent communication with participants about the security measures in place, coupled with a well-defined incident response plan, builds trust and reassures our attendees of their safety during the event. By incorporating these strategies, we ensure to successfully manage the dual objectives of participant engagement and cybersecurity in our interconnected digital landscape. Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluffeature 36 edge_march 2024 AI’S GENDERED LENS: Dissecting bias in generative algorithms What can be done to build inclusive and neutral generative algorithms? AI By Sindhu V Kashyap edge_march 2024 37 feature38 edge_march 2024 I n the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), where algorithms wield influence over everything from our social interactions to the media we consume, the spectre of gender bias continues to loom ominously. In this new era of generative AI (gen AI), where systems are tasked with creating content, the manifestations of gender bias can be as subtle as they are pervasive, woven into the very fabric of linguistic nuances and portrayals. These biases, reflective of historical inequalities and societal norms, insidiously seep into the AI-generated content we encounter daily, perpetuating existing disparities and shaping our perceptions. Nevertheless, the issue of gender bias in AI is not novel; rather, it is a recurring theme that has persisted despite advances in technology. There are several instances where AI systems appear to exhibit preferences based on gender, age, and race, raising profound questions about inclusivity and fairness in the digital age. While the promise of gen AI is immense, offering the potential to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and revolutionise industries, its implementation also poses ethical quandaries that demand careful consideration, especially as organisations are racing to pick up this new technology. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager at Microsoft UAE, acknowledges the pressing need to address bias in gen AI models. “We’re working to allow customers to fine-tune the large language models (LLMs) and train the models with diverse data,” he said, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to mitigating bias through the digitisation of diverse datasets and the implementation of ethical guardrails in AI development. Indeed, the imperative to ensure that gen AI systems remain unbiased and inclusive is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world. A study conducted by the University of Michigan, sheds light on the pervasive nature of bias within gen AI models, particularly in their response to social roles. Analysing 2,457 questions and 162 social roles, the study unearthed a troubling trend: AI models exhibited a clear preference for gender-neutral or male social roles over their female counterparts. This disparity, Priya M Nair, Founder of zwag AI says, speaks to the inherent biases embedded within the datasets upon which these models are built. “The datasets that LLMs are built on already have biases,” Nair observes, highlighting the “Analysing 2,457 questions and 162 social roles, the study unearthed a troubling trend: AI models exhibited a clear preference for gender-neutral or male social roles over their female counterparts.” feature edge_march 2024 39 feature persistent influence of historical biases on gen AI- created content. To combat this, Nair advocates for the diversification of datasets and the promotion of inclusivity in data annotation, emphasising the need for proactive measures to foster gender balance and reduce biases effectively. Prerna Mehra, Creative Director at Mullenlowe MENA, echoes Nair’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of vigilance in data sourcing and integrity. “Conscious effort is required to input unbiased data,” Mehra asserts, drawing attention to the need to interrogate data sources and implement robust checks to ensure that AI tools operate ethically and inclusively. This sentiment resonates across industries, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold ethical standards in AI development and deployment. Yet, the challenge of addressing bias extends beyond English-centric datasets, as noted by Nair. “Several gender-related topics and inclusivity discussions exist in regional languages,” she observes, emphasising the need for efforts to diversify data pools and encourage broader community participation in dataset creation and refinement. In doing so, the goal is to foster a more inclusive digital landscape that reflects the rich diversity of human experiences and perspectives. In the pursuit of ethical reform and inclusivity, stakeholders must adopt a holistic approach that integrates ethical considerations into company cultures, asserts Nair. “Building ethical and responsible AI should be integral to every company’s culture,” she insists, advocating for the incorporation of corrective measures, diverse feedback loops, and continuous model refinement to minimise biases. By prioritising fairness, transparency, and equality in AI- driven solutions, businesses can navigate the complexities of gen AI while upholding the values of a just and inclusive society. As the gen AI landscape continues to evolve, the imperative for stakeholders to prioritise ethical reform and inclusivity grows ever more pressing. Through collaboration, diversification of datasets, and stringent oversight mechanisms, businesses can harness the transformative power of AI while safeguarding against the perpetuation of bias and inequality. In doing so, they not only uphold the principles of fairness and transparency but also pave the way for a future where AI serves as a force for positive change in the world. Datasets need to be diverse and multicultural to combat biasNext >